7 players the Commanders could have drafted over Jahan Dotson
By Dean Jones
It didn't take long to realize new general manager Adam Peters wasn't the biggest fan of Ron Rivera's roster building. The Washington Commanders are going about their business differently under this exciting regime. Anyone not deemed a fit will be moved on regardless of previous standing. That's the method they believe can kickstart this long-term plan into action.
Another example of this came when Peters shipped wide receiver Jahan Dotson and a fifth-round pick to their NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles for a third-rounder and two sevens. This was a shocking turn of events. Not because the wideout was deemed surplus to requirements, but because another deal was struck with a divisional foe.
Dotson becomes the latest in a long line of Rivera draft picks who couldn't live up to their billing. He didn't look like a good fit and Peters took the best deal regardless of whether it impacted Washington's chances or not.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing to have, especially in cases like this. Even so, here are seven players the Commanders could have drafted over Dotson in 2022.
Players the Commanders could have drafted over Jahan Dotson
Commanders could have drafted Chris Olave
- Wide Receiver | Ohio State Buckeyes
- No. 11 overall | New Orleans Saints
This is the trade that started it all. The Washington Commanders dealt the No. 11 pick to the New Orleans Saints. These are the players Ron Rivera turned the capital acquired into.
- Jahan Dotson - WR
- Brian Robinson Jr. - RB
- Sam Howell - QB
- Cole Turner - TE
Many fans thought they got a good return - especially with Howell earning the starting gig in 2023. Now, there's a good chance only Robinson will remain on the squad this time around.
Howell and Dotson have both been traded. Turner could be cut after the Commanders signed Zach Ertz and drafted Ben Sinnott to bolster their tight-end room. Had Ron Rivera held firm and taken Chris Olave, they'd have arguably been better off.
Olave's gone over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons despite subpar quarterback play. He's an electrifying player who's only just turned 24 years old. Commanders fans are simply left with what might have been.